Positive Health Online

Abstract

KUKNER and others, Department of Histology and Embryology, Izzet Baysal Medical Faculty, Abant Izzet Baysal University, Bolu, Turkey, have found potentially relevant effects of antioxidant vitamins on eye inflammation.

Background

The aim of this study was to observe changes in the eyes of guinea pigs during artificially induced eye inflammation and the effects of vitamin E, melatonin and aprotinin on the process.

Methodology

In this study, 30 guinea pigs were randomly classified into five groups. Group 1 was the control group. Groups 2, 3, 4 and 5 received intravitreal injections of bovine serum albumin (BSA) to induce inflammation. Groups 3, 4 and 5 received intraperitoneal vitamin E (150 mg/kg), melatonin (10 mg/kg) and aprotinin (20,000 IU/kg), respectively. Histopathological and clinical scoring of inflammation were performed, and biochemical analysis of the inflamed eyes was carried out.

Results

There was a remarkable increase in the expression of the protein, leptin, in the eyes of the inflammation group. Leptin expression in the treatment groups was similar to that in the control group. At light and electron microscopic levels, ganglion cells were oedematous and inner plexiform layer thickness had increased in the inflammation group retinas. Oedema was decreased in the treatment groups.

Conclusion

Experimental inflammation causes an increase in leptin expression in the eyes of guinea pigs. Vitamin E, melatonin and aprotinin inhibit this increase. Leptin seems to be closely related to eye inflammation.

References

Kukner A, Colakolu N, Serin D, Alagoz G, Celebi S, Kukner AS. Effects of intraperitoneal vitamin E, melatonin and aprotinin on leptin expression in the guinea pig eye during experimental uveitis. Acta Ophthalmologica Scandinavica 84 (1): 54-61, Feb 2006.

Comment

Readers are referred to Leon Chaitow’s Expert Column in this Issue Leptins and Inflammation.